Hospitals in the city of Sylhet were in chaos this morning as an influx of suspected measles cases overwhelmed the pediatric wards of local hospitals. With parents bringing in children with early symptoms of the disease, the resources of a city that is already dealing with Seasonal Disease outbreaks were quickly being drained.
At 10:00 AM today, health officials reported that Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital and local hospitals had admitted over 150 children; a jump in admissions that was greater than the number of measles cases reported in recent months throughout Sylhet, due to the unvaccinated rural population.
Morning Rush Exposes Vaccination Gaps
Health officials saw a significant increase in the number of cases at Sylhet hospitals overnight after the crisis began to unfold at 6:00 AM; long lines were forming at several local emergency departments. The majority of these children with suspected measles were unvaccinated and were children under the age of five, something health officials attribute to vaccine hesitancy within the tea plantation community.
Dr Rezaul Karim, a senior paediatrician, stated, “We saw a 40% increase (in the number of suspected measles) overnight. Hospitals in Sylhet are at capacity.”
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3 Critical Measles Symptoms Parents Must Spot Early
Parents in Sylhet and throughout Bangladesh must be quick to respond to these warning signs:
- High temperature over 104°F: Commonly, the first indication could last for up to 5 days.
- Red, watery eyes and light sensitivity: Along with cough, runny nose.
- Red rash spreading: Starting on the face and then moving around the body after 3 to 4 days.
Failure to respond to these signs might result in complications such as pneumonia or encephalitis.
Government Response and Prevention Steps
Mobile vaccination teams have been sent to the outskirts of Sylhet by the authorities. The health ministry is urging immediate EPI vaccinations for children between the ages of nine and fifteen months.
Medical officials recommend that parents isolate their children, provide them with fluids, and give them vitamin A supplements; they should avoid giving their children self-treatment and go to a medical facility as soon as possible.
FAQs
1. Why are Sylhet’s hospitals overwhelmed today?
150+ suspected measles cases have flooded into pediatric wards due to low vaccination levels in rural areas.
2. What causes measles in Bangladesh?
Measles is extremely contagious through airborne transmission, and occurs where vaccination rates fall below 95 percent.
3. How long does someone have measles?
A person with measles will be contagious from four days prior to rash eruption until four days after. Infected children should be kept isolated.
4. Can I get a measles vaccination free of charge in Sylhet?
Yes, at the government’s EPI center; at local hospitals, you can receive booster vaccinations.
5. Is it possible for adults to contract measles during this outbreak?
It’s uncommon but possible for unvaccinated adults to contract measles; however, they typically have less severe symptoms than children.
